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The Voice of Seguin Today
Volume 55, Number 100
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Warehouse Seguin changes its mind about closing its downtown operation Bar owner, city of Seguin reach a consensus, find new ways of doing things By Cindy Aguirre-Herrera (Seguin) – Plenty of compromise and maybe even new ways of doing things in the city of Seguin has led one local business and property owner to change his mind about closing a downtown bar. It was the end of April when Alfredo Leos, owner of the Warehouse, officially announced on social media that he was going to permanently close down the bar and grill located on South Austin Street. When questioned about his decision, Leos at the time told the Seguin Daily News that a tug of war of sorts had reportedly occurred between Leos and the city of Seguin. Leos says the closure announcement was strictly tied to a city issue, and not because of COVID-19 or any other economic reason. Instead, he says the shutting down of the local bar was simply the waving of a white flag - a surrender to years of what he believes have been unfair practices by those in the city’s building and codes department. That all happened three weeks ago, but Leos says things have changed. He now says that he has had a change of heart, because of an agreement reached with the city of Seguin. The decision to reopen occurred in perfect timing with other bars that are now allowed to operate under the Phase II orders, as listed in Governor Greg Abbott’s Open Texas Plan. As for those initial concerns with the city, Leos says many times during the renovation of buildings, he’d end up paying more for changes that “all of a
sudden” were required in order to meet remember agreeing to that. Those were the code. problems that I was having,” said Leos. “One thing, we discussed is more detailed plans where the city is actually looking over everything before you start a project instead of after you start it and then come back with a lot of different changes. Some of the concerns that I had were doing some apartments that I was doing upstairs and then me getting the permits in hand and they were approved under what I turned in but then after the fact, they wanted some additional things which you are talking about over $50,000 worth of changes – really probably closer to maybe $100,000 worth of changes but you are looking at a project that at least up front, you know if you are going to spend another $50,000 to $100,000 versus going 50 percent in already for the project and then all of a sudden finding out at the end ‘hey, we are going to need you to do additional items.’ I guess it’s the way that they are going to handle submitting plans, making sure that everything is figured out beforehand because that is something that we do. We sit down and everybody agrees, and everybody talks about what the project is going to be. Right now since there is not a lot of detail, that they are requiring – when you talk to them in person and they agree to it and they say ‘yes you can do that, you can do that – it’s almost like someone either needs to be taking notes so that everybody can handout and everybody signs off on. It’s things that were slipping through I guess the cracks. Like yes, you can do it this way and when you start the project and they come back and they are like we don’t remember that or we don’t
Leos also admits that at the time, there were just too many headaches and even personal conflicts with a city employee who helped make his decision easier. "There was a lot of things that were said that they wanted me to do and I've been doing this for a longtime, rebuilding buildings and stuff that I own and I have a construction company as well and whenever I ask 'why is it that I'm having to do this? It's not per code,' and I'm being told "because I said so and I can make you do it." At that point, I finally said enough is enough," said Leos. Leos says what many people didn’t know was that he was also considering shutting down and walking away from others properties that he also owns in downtown Seguin. Properties include those that house the Traveling Gypsy antique store and The SOL Venue. He's also currently renovating the former Hot Spot building on Court Street and is constructing five apartments above a current property. Responding to Leos' claims is City Manager Steve Parker. Parker says after hearing the news about the Warehouse, he personally reached out to Leos. Parker says when it comes improving the city, there are definite standards that must be met in order to safely reconstruct and build in the city of Seguin, especially when dealing with some very historic properties. See DOWNTOWN, page 3
Wayne Looff 210-862-4888
Courtesy photo Warehouse FB Page
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TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
A standoff with federal fugitive ends peaceful custody following a standoff with officers at a local home. Seguin Police officials say Jesus Javier Jaimes, 35, was arrested after he fled during a traffic stop and then fled into a residence – barricading himself in a bedroom.
By Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Reports indicate that around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Seguin Police Officer Ethan Clendenen spotted Jaimes, who he knew to be a federal fugitive driving, a vehicle in the 1300 block of Aldama Street. That’s when they said that Jaimes reportedly fled driving “in reverse down the street ultimately stopping at his residence there on Aldama.”
(Seguin) -- A federal fugitive remains in
Members of the Guadalupe County SWAT
Jesus Javier Jaimes
and Crisis Negotiation Teams, along with the Guadalupe County Narcotics Task Force, responded and began negotiating with the suspect. Then about 10 p.m., he surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. Jaimes is charged with possession of a controlled substance, evading arrest and was booked on a US Marshals Service warrant for federal probation violation possession of controlled substance. The Guadalupe County SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, and Narcotics Task Force include officers from the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office and the Seguin and Cibolo Police Departments.
Seguin reminds citizens of water restrictions inside city limits, Max Starcke Park By Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- With Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s recent announcement that rivers and lakes are allowed to re-open with proper social distancing requirements, the City of Seguin Parks and Recreation Department reminds citizens that recreational use of the Guadalupe River in Max Starcke Park is currently restricted by court order.
This is especially important for those looking to enjoy some water this summer. The Court Order was prompted by a spillgate failure that occurred on Lake Dunlap in fall 2019. By
Court
Order,
recreational water activities, including swimming, wading and tubing are currently prohibited in the Guadalupe River along Max Starcke Park. Citizens are encouraged to be vigilant when participating in outdoor water recreation activities
that are allowed. Pole fishing from the riverbank is permitted, except near the City of Seguin Water Treatment Plant. Officials say the potential danger zones named throughout the six Guadalupe Valley Lakes were determined by an expert panel. Litigation between lake property owners and the GuadalupeBlanco River Authority continues.
TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
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Warehouse owner shares details behind his decision to reconsider closing local bar
DOWNTOWN, continued from page 1 Parker says one of the key factors that has been reviewed in all of this is what he calls "process improvement." Parker, who took over the city manager job only a few months ago, says for years, the city has required generic renderings or designs for projects. He says requiring more detailed plans for projects leaves less room for errors -- errors that could save contractors money while also ensuring that the city continues to do its job. "It's a double edge sword here because when you have somebody on a remodel go in and have to create detailed architect drawings of what they are going to do, that really lays out the specifics of their project -- okay, this wall is going to be so many feet from this wall. This is where the fire escape is. This is where the sprinkler system goes but those plans cost extra money to do and so a lot of cities say 'just give me a general idea of what you are going to do. We'll talk about what needs to be required but you really don't know until you really start building it and if they build a wall that is too close and it does not meet ADA, you go back and it's like well you have to move that wall because it needs to be four and half feet versus four feet and so we are going to have to move this wall out to make sure it's ADA accessible. Well, if you have detailed plans, you would have seen that they were going to put that wall in at four foot," said Parker.
those things and then before people had to move a wall or something, you would readjust those and say 'hey, remember this needs to be four and half feet and we can make sure that it happens and so that's the thing that we are trying to deal with but people get made though in the end when they feel like you are trying to go back and ask for more and more and more. Well if you had those detailed plans from the beginning, then everybody would be on the same page," said Parker. Parker says perhaps the biggest gain for everyone in all of this is the generation of a potential plan or idea that makes the renovation of downtown buildings even more enticing for future developers.
"We are also working on a sprinkler program because the cost to redevelop those downtown buildings is really expensive and especially our goal is to have more people living downtown. They can shop and spend money down there. So there's a lot of prime buildings that that could be accessible for but the cost to put in those risers and then the sprinkler system is really expensive so the council wants us to explore a sprinkler program that would allow us to participate and cost share in that so it make it more advantageous for these people to redevelop these buildings in the downtown and I think that's the biggest thing that has come out of this because if a building is sprinkled and it catches on fire, there's a lot less possibility that that whole entire lot would be burned down but if we don't put in Parker says the double edge sword comparison, however, sprinkler systems -- then if something catches fire, there's comes with a new cost of doing business. the possibility of some major catastrophe there and there's possible loss of lives, loss of people who don't want to "So but a lot of people get mad, 'well you are making me rebuild because it's too expensive," said Parker. pay all this extra money' so does that stall development because I don't want to pay this extra money to do these Parker says his number one goal is to be customer service detailed plans so I'm going to go somewhere else. But in the oriented while at the same time enforcing those regulations. long run, if they did those detailed plans upfront, then He says it’s about having a predictable process with everybody would be on the same page and we would catch timelines and metrics that people can count on. He says if it
takes two or three months to get something through, that is money they are spending in interest on the loans that they have. He says no matter who you are, in the end, time is money for any development. "My personal philosophy is that we need to be customer service orientated because these people that do invest in downtown, a lot of times, this is there life's savings that they are putting in to these developments downtown. They are risking everything to make their dreams come true so if we can have sustainable development where they know that if I turn in a permit that I'm going to get a response back within 10 days, 14 days and I'm not going to nickel and dime you. I think that's the thing I like most about the city staff is they are very solution oriented and that's what I want. I know that we still have to protect the life and safety of the people and the residents of the community but if we can find a way to achieve those same things even though it doesn't meet the true code but we can still find a way to do that, that's what I want to do. I want to find a way that is affordable but at the same time, protect the lives and the property of the people of the city of Seguin," said Parker. Although some might want to debate how things have been handled in the city, Parker realizes there is always room for improvement and believes that his staff has always operated with the safety of its residents as its top priority. In response to how Leos might have been dealt with by some city employees, Parker says any type of outbursts that has been alleged is not how things are handled in any city department and says that's for him to now handle. As for Leos, he is pleased with the overall efforts by the city. He especially applauds Parker's leadership in all of this and looks forward to doing even more business in Seguin. He says the city leadership has really stepped up for not only him but for all other future builders who also want to plant seeds in hopes of witnessing Seguin's growth.
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TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
Sports Brought to you exclusively by First Commercial Bank Seguin Little League cancels 2020 spring season
(Seguin) - Seguin Little League president Jason Harrison announced the decision of the organization's board of directors to cancel the 2020 spring season Thursday in a post on the Seguin Little League Facebook page. "It is with a heavy heart that we bring you this news," Harrison wrote in his statement. "The board has had to make the tough decision to cancel the spring season. We took all the info provided by the Governor and guidelines from Little League International into account and feel that it is the best decision going forward."
Groups of no more than 10 people, and six feet of social distancing between spectators not in the same group. Providing notice to parents and guardians on the risk of participants coming in contact with people 65 or older 14 days after a game or practice. Training all staff on appropriate cleaning, disinfection, hand hygene, and respiratory etiquette. Screening all staff each day for COVID19 warning signs, including cough, shortness of
breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19
available, staff should consider wearing non-medical grade face masks.
Limit staff with underlying conditions from attending or staffing games
Staff should mitigate environmental exposures by additional cleaning and disinfecting of symptomatic staff's work area, common areas, and bathrooms. Staff should follow and supervise the Program Activity Plan and, if applicable, the Transportation Plan.
Consistent with the actions taken by many employers across the state, consider having all staff wear cloth face coverings (over the nose or mouth). If
Isolate staff and participants exhibiting new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19 and contact the local health department.
"We had to take into account all the guidelines and the safety of players and families to make our decision. At this time we feel that with all the things needing to be done, it would not be baseball/ softball as we know it," Harrison said.
Staff helps the operator in identifying exposure risks (contact tracing).
Little League International cancelled the World Series and regional tournaments due to the COVID-19 pandemic in late April, but they left to door open for local league play and All-Star competition up to the state level this summer.
Seguin Little League is offering families three options for registration fees: 1) Donate the fee to Little League 2) Receive a $45 credit toward the next fall or spring season 3) Receive a $40 refund paid by check.
Each team is considered a cohort outside of the sporting event, discourage mixing between cohorts.
Texas Governor Gregg Abbot's re-opening guidelines for youth sports allowed for teams to begin practicing on May 31 with only parent or guardian present per child, and for competition to begin on June 15. Among the protocols on extensive list of guidelines that Little League organizations would have to adhere to:
SLL will post the dates to receive checks or credit vouchers, and to return equipment at the Little League fields on the organization's Facebook page in the coming days.
Seguin's youth baseball and softball players will have to wait until the fall season at the earliest to play games at the Seguin Little League complex. Photo courtesy of Seguin Little League Facebook page.
Seguin Little League still plans to hold its BBQ plate pick up, but the date and location have yet to be finalized.
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to you exclusively by First Commercial Bank
TLU's Jalen Starks named SCAC's Elite 19 award winner for Men's Track & Field Starks is a two-time All-SCAC honoree. At the 2019 SCAC Track & Field Championship, Starks helped the Bulldogs to their third-straight SCAC Men's Track title after he finished second in the shot put (14.54 meters) and took third in the hammer throw (41.27 meters). He earned All-SCAC honors in both events.
(Seguin) - In an announcement made today from Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference headquarters, Texas Lutheran University's Jalen Starks was
named the 2020 SCAC Men's Track & Field Elite 19 award winner. Starks, a sophomore from
San Antonio, Texas (Antonian), currently holds a 3.808 GPA as a Communication Studies major.
Due to the cancelation of the 2020 spring season, the criteria for the SCAC Elite 19 honor was modified. The award is presented to the student-athlete who has completed the equivalent of at least 60 credit hours at his or her current institution and has at least a cumulative 3.25 GPA. For this spring only, an AllSCAC honor at any point of
the student-athlete's career was enough to satisfy the requirement that the studentathlete must be an allconference award winner. Normally, the student-athlete must have earned All-SCAC honors in his/her sport for that particular season. The SCAC Elite 19 award was established prior to the 201819 academic year and is meant to recognize the best of the best within each conference sponsored-sport as it relates to both academic and athletic achievement. Starks is the second Bulldog to earn an SCAC Elite 19 award. He joins TLU Baseball's Cullen Motsinger, the SCAC Baseball Elite 19 award winner for 2019.
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TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
Religion Clothing Ministry
The Refuge III Clothing Ministry continues to give away clothing, some furniture, dishes, and other items at 7535 Elm Creek Road in Seguin. For further information call 830-303-6478.
Free Bible Course
The World Bible School is offering free Bible correspondence courses. Answer questions from the Bible and send in for grading. Visit studygod.info for further information. To be sure your religious organization's meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED office located at 609 E. Court St., Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
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THE LUNCHBOX
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Business Connection
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TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
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TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
Scholarship Program
The rising stars of Seguin High School Matador Theatre’s one act play troupe weren’t given the chance to see just how far their winning streak would take them with their 2020 competition piece,
“Over the River & Through the Woods” They were among three advancing troupes of the eight that performed at the UIL Zone Competition in Boerne. They were set to advance to Bi-District which was to be held at Seguin High School at the end of March. However, despite a disappointing end to the school year, Matador Theatre seniors Jazmin Blair, Hannah Harris, Kelsey Luensman, Andrew “Andy” McDowall, Emily Pearson, Megan Schievelbein, and Faith Sehon received the support and encouragement of their booster club with the delivery of “thespian cheer bags”. Seguin High School Drama Mamas & Papas booster president, Kelly Follis, shared some thoughts about the students graduating this year, “They have continued to amaze their “drama mamas” even during these challenging times. We are so proud of them. Several of our seniors have been among our “rocks” for several years. We could not let them graduate without hearing from us, so the goodie bags were a
way we could reach out. Our boosters also met via Zoom to award our annual senior scholarships. We appreciate more than we can say the generous, enthusiastic support we get year in and year out from our community. By public participation in our season ticket sales, concessions, and other fundraisers, Seguin has allowed us to do so many special things for our program and our kids.”
Emily Pearson
Faith Sehon
Follis continued, “Theatre is a year-round “sport”. It takes a lot to put on a full production. Our scholarship recipients, Emily Pearson ($600), Faith Sehon ($500), and Andrew McDowall ($400) invested a huge amount of effort in multiple aspects of the program. Under the direction of Lydia Robles and Tim Luna, these kids normally put on three big shows a year, along with a “Night on Broadway” production, competition pieces at the annual Thespian Convention, and senor-directed shows. For many of them, theatre isn’t all they do, but they put their hearts into everything they do and that’s what makes it such a joy to be a part of. I think senior Andy McDowall summed it up well, “It (theatre) was a lifeline to the world of romance and whimsy and magic. It gave me a greater appreciation of the world around me. It painted the world in pastels-- and isn’t that what we need?”
Andrew McDowall
We’ll miss you, seniors, and wish all our students the best always now and when we see them again.”
Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church Seguin Somewhere beyond the colorful rainbow signs planted along the walkway leading into the care facility are the helpers, the heroes. While the general population gradually moves on to the “new normal” and longawaited freedoms, older citizens confined to nursing centers, rehab and assisted living facilities must continue their confinement, and it is the Helper Heroes who are there for them. A Tuesday morning study group of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church members was inspired to recognize Seguin’s faithful frontline health workers through the “Global Citizen: Together at Home” program organized to support medical workers around the world. Group member Jim Dyess said his church join, and so starting with financial pledges of Spirit of Joy. Very quickly, he said, the congreprovide gift cards from local Seguin businessagement for the local caregiving community.
decided this was an effort they wanted to their own, they spread the word to others at gation responded with generous pledges to es in a gesture of appreciation and encour-
In addition, the group organized a homemade care and health facilities in Seguin could be
sign-making effort so that those working at recognized and thanked.
Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church is a congregaAmerica (ELCA) founded in 2015. The conSilver Center on Court Street, is in the process ry Campus on Dolle Ave into its permanent for future community-focused organizations are led by the Rev. Megan D. Elliott, pastor, ELCA Southwestern Texas Synod Building
tion of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in gregation, which has regularly met at the of repurposing the Juan Seguin Elementachurch home and additional building space and programs for the underserved. They and the church offices are housed in the on the Texas Lutheran University campus.
Citing Spirit of Joy’s mission, Dyess said, into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ our neighbors, and through serving our
Standing in support of Seguin's frontline health workers, members of a study group at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church deliver gift cards to local businesses and signs of encouragement from their congregation to one of a number of Seguin nursing facilities. The group hoped to show appreciation for the health workers who serve this community.
“God works through us to welcome all through Spirit-led worship, through loving community with a Spirit of Joy.”
TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
Vital Statistics Willie Mae Cunningham
\Willie Mae Cunningham was born September 12, 1935, in Seguin, TX to the late Willie and Mattie Cunningham. Willie Mae
Elmer Hill
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was a graduate of Ball High Joann Smith of Seguin, TX; School. Brother, Albert Cunningham (Lula) of San Antonio, TX; Willie Mae is preceded in death Granddaughters, Tresa Lynn by her parents Willie and Mattie Jellison of Houston, TX, Audrey Cunningham, son Clarence R. Wisher, Patricia L. Edwards Clack Jr, daughter Mary Joyce of San Antonio, TX, Ivory “Angel” Mckinnon; Christina Henry (Alterrie Sr) of granddaughter, Leslie “Nikki” Katy, TX, Montreal Clack of Edwards; grandson, Adrian Austin, TX; Grandsons, George Wisher; great granddaughter, “Dink” Vaden Jr (Jessica), Keith (Aimee), Caleb Rayshell Nicole Jellison; sisters, Edwards Carrietta “Cookie” Savage, Mckinnon (Maria) all of San TX; special Joyce Cunningham-Wilson; and Antonio, granddaughter, Telia Hosey of brother Donald Cunningham. Austin; special grandson, Toree Willie Mae leaves to cherish her Daniel (Katie) of Dallas, TX; memory daughters, Lillian Twenty-Two great “Candy” Hosey, Patricia Wisher grandchildren; Six great great (Gilbert) and son Obery Cubit Jr. grandchildren; Three bonus great all of San Antonio, TX; special grandchildren; Special nieces, daughters, Cheryl Ann Cubit and Melissa Mike (Henry) of Live Mary Ann Gonzales; Sister, Oak, TX, Martha Hammond and
Marsha Davis both of Hayward, CA; along with a host of other family and friends.
Elmer Hill was born to Floyd Nelson Hill, Sr. and Elizabeth Ann (Dodds) on June 24, 1931 in Edna, Texas.
Service will be Guadalupe Valley Park.
Braunfels; son, Kevin Hill and wife, Penny of Schertz; daughter, Lory Hill Alves of Dubuque, IA; grandchildren Meagan Alves McGrew and husband, Austin and He went to be with his Lord and Christian Alves, all of New Savior on May 20, 2020 in New Braunfels and numerous nieces Braunfels, Texas. & nephews. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Audrey Savley, Floyd Hill, Jr. and Rosa Mae Hill and nephew, Larry Hill. He is survived by his loving wifeof 54 years, Arlene F. Hill of New
Visitation will be held at Gaston Bell Memorial Chapel – 6867 Montgomery Drive San Antonio, Texas 78239 on Thursday, May 21, 2020 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Greater Refuge Church – 410 N. Guadalupe St. Seguin, Texas 78155. The online registry may be signed at www.bellandbellfuneralhome.co m/obituary/willie-coffee . Services entrusted to Bell & Bell Funeral Home - (210) 657-2273. held at Memorial
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to: Emanuel Lutheran Visitation with social distancing will Church in Seguin or St. Jude be held from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Children’s Research Hospital. on Monday, May 25, 2020 at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in A Memorial Service will be held at New Braunfels. a later date. Please sign the guestbook at A Private Family Graveside doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com
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In Memory Larry Wayne Halm
TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
9/2/52 - 5/6/20
A fine man. A friend to all who knew him. The family of Larry Wayne Halm mourns his death, May 6, 2020 at the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center in his hometown Seguin, Texas.
On the day of his birth September 2, 1952, Larry’s mother, Maxine Bergfeld Halm, beamed as she told his father Virgil Roger Halm “This is the happiest day of my life because our son is born.” From that day forward his parents adored Larry as their only child. Larry Halm had an idyllic childhood because he grew up in a house across the street from his maternal grandparents, Virginia King Bergfeld and William A. Bergfeld. The grandparents’ farms bore vast fields of corn and alphalfa, while the pasture land was dotted with huge live oak trees that sheltered a herd of grazing cattle. The beauty of seasons surrounded Larry. From infancy to manhood, Larry Halm’s life was filled with dogs, cats, lizards, birds, lightening bugs, crawdads frogs and fish. “They just took-up with me” he said. “Because they knew I would take care of them.” Larry helped his “Grandpa B.” gather ripe vegetables from his multi-acre garden. “Grandma B.” needed his help in picking up nuts from the ground to fill bushel baskets with their pecan harvest. Sometimes Grandma hollered “snake!!” Larry knew to dash to Grandma’s hen houses. He had to help her rid the nests of a hungry chicken snake. When the first week in October arrived, Larry and his Dad knew it was time to rope, pull and coax huge Herford bulls into trailers and pickup trucks. Then they transported the bulls to the fair grounds to be judged for top prizes at the Guadalupe County Fair. On Friday evenings, Larry’s parents asked him to help set the tables and chairs for their groups of friends who brought covered-dish foods to a meal they called Supper Club. The Halms coached their young son on how to welcome Supper Club guests at the door with polite conversation. Larry learned friendliness and manners from their loving and stable parenting. Larry always went to church with his parents – Sunday school, worship service, Bible school and Methodist youth camp in summer. He was a dedicated Methodist, a member of the very congregation of his great, great grandparents – Euphemia Ashby King and William George King. The Kings helped to establish the First Methodist Church on Austin Street, in Seguin. At the Kings-Woods home on Court Street, Larry frequently visited his school teacher aunt, Virginia Woods. She taught him how to read when he was four years old. From her, he learned the legends, names, and blossom recognition of the many Texas wildflowers she grew in her yard. As a little boy, Larry was teased by Aunt Virginia saying “Larry, you’re such a handsome little guy with your big blue eyes and big smile.” It was true. He was good looking and smart. He even began to play chess in grammar school. His Aunt Virginia always complimented him on his “wonderful intellect and math skills.” As a teenager, she cheered his becoming a Champion player in bridge tournaments. All his life Larry would say that his “kinfolks” - Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles and Cousins were “just one big family” to him. After graduating from Seguin High School, Larry began what became a long career working for two oil drilling companies. Because of his extensive knowledge, Larry was frequently called to the Gulf of Mexico to barge rigs for as long as three months at a time. He preferred drilling on land and excelled as Mud Logger (one who studies oil wells for their depth and content of soil). Using computers and microscopes, his fellow co-workers called Larry “a Geologist without a geology degree.” During that time he married Cynthia Miller who loved and cared for him for 35 years. One night there was an explosion. An instant later there was a massive fire. Larry ran into the flames and tackled a burning crewmember pulling him away from the crashing rig. With his arms around the rough neck’s body, Larry rolled over and over in the dirt to smother the man on fire. Both men lived. That night when Larry’s friends had to take him home, they had to pull him out of the car and carry him into his house. Larry’s skin and hair were singed. His back no longer functional. From that day forward Larry Halm was wheelchair bound and for years cared for by his wife, Cynthia. Larry was a broken body, but an undaunted man. When the time came that he realized that Cynthia could no longer lift him, he entered a care facility. There Larry lived his life between four walls enclosed in a time of strict rules, regulations of medical necessity. It was a life inside - not outside. No longer a life out in the beautiful world of nature he had always loved. As Larry described it “a medium rare ribeye steak dinner was just a memory.” Larry faced life’s blows with courage and good humor. Year after year, he had to be inside the hospital rooms suffering occasional bouts of loneliness, frustration and depression. Now “the outside” could only mean a transfer from one building to another. “Just another facility inside.”
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TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
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In rehabilitation, he endured countless well-meaning surgeries attempting to improve his health. Larry Halm found a way to live in spite of his confinement. He built for himself a “contact life.” He used his radio, cell-phone and computer to keep in touch with his cousins who had been like siblings throughout his growing up. He telephoned relatives to warn them about reports of dangerous rain storms causing highway floods, or tornadoes looming in the skies. His books were read and read until the pages were tattered. He often called his 106 year old Aunt Virginia. Their calls detailed stories of old times. Tales of Cousin’s Clubs picnics at the Moss farm on the Capote Road, of Christmas Eve celebrations, or repeating his Dad’s experiences as a Navy Seabee in World War ll. They talked about big and little things. Things like the names of horses they rode in Seguin’s July 4th parade, or how many puppy litter’s the dog, Sassy, had. But, when Larry was asked about the oil field fire, he told no story. His answer was to repeat his own belief about life. “Every human being is given one or two chances to do something good. They can help someone. They can make something right.” Then he would pause to make sure –you- got it right. “If that person steps-up and does what is needed? Well, that’s just great! Otherwise, if they choose to do nothing, then they are the ones who really missed it. Too, too, bad for them.” Loved, admired, remembered forever. Farewell, dear one. Larry Halm is survived by: His wife Cynthia Miller Halm, his Aunt Virginia Bergfeld Woods, sibling cousins: Janice Woods Windle and Wayne Ellsworth Windle, Wayne Wilton Windle and Mary Jane Windle, William Wayne Windle, John Wilton Windle, Benjamin Emmett Windle, Virginia Windle Shapiro & Randy Shapiro, Charles Carson Shapiro, Janice Windle Shapiro, Wilton Eugene Woods, Henry E. Bergfeld & Susan, Richard A. Bergfeld and Becky, George and Edna Bergfeld, Thomas and Kari Bergfeld, Bonnie Bergfeld Cheatom and Billy Cheatom, William A Bergfeld lll and Lyn, Charles and Debbie Bergfeld, John Upper. The family is grateful for memorial contributions made to the Larry Wayne Halm Fund for General Charitable Purposes of the Seguin Area Community Foundation. Address: 390 Cordova Rd, Seguin, TX 78155 Phone Number: (830) 305-8906 Larry Halm’s remains are interred in the Halm family plot where his parents are buried in the San Geronimo Cemetery on Walnut Street in Seguin, Texas.
His Aunt Virginia teased him saying “Larry, you’re such a handsome little guy with your big blue eyes and big smile.”
Maxine & Virgil Halm
Maxine Bergfeld Halm “This is the happiest day of my life because our son is born.”
Larry and Cynthia Halm married 35 years.
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TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
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Health and Medical Page presented by
Coronavirus Contact Tracing Underway in New York
Trump Won't Close Country If Second Wave Of Coronavirus
(New York, NY) -- Coronavirus contact tracing is underway in New York, the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S. Governor Andrew Cuomo says people who test positive for COVID-19 will get a phone call asking about anyone they might have exposed to the virus. He says it'll come up as "NYS Contact Tracing" and should not be ignored. Cuomo says the call is not a hoax or a scam but an official message. He says contact tracers will follow up anyone who could be have been exposed and suggest that they get tested.
(Ypsilanti, MI) -- President Trump is planning to keep the nation open if a second wave of coronavirus hits. He says they'll put out the fires but won't close the country. He was asked about this while visiting the Ford factory in Michigan. He refused to wear a mask during the public part of the tour even though state officials urged him to. Trump said he had it on in the back area but quote - "didn't want to press to get the pleasure of seeing it."
Pelosi Touts Columbia University Report That U.S. Lives Could Have Been Saved
TSA Tweaking The Security Screening Process
(Washington, DC) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is touting a Columbia University study that claims up to 36-thousand U.S. lives could have been saved if coronavirus lockdowns had begun just one week earlier. She compared how South Korea and the U.S. handled the COVID-19 pandemic after both faced their first coronavirus death on the same day. The California Democrat said South Korea immediately went into lockdown and had fewer than three hundred deaths. Pelosi said the U.S. waited a couple of weeks and is now approaching 100-thousand deaths.
2020 WOMEN’S CHOICE AWARD GRMC is in the Top 4% in the Nation for Patient Safety
1215 E. Court St. | Seguin, TX 78155 | 830.379.2411 | grmedcenter.com
(Washington, DC) -- The TSA is implementing new screening procedures limiting physical contact and increasing social distancing. Passengers will maintain possession of their boarding pass at security checkpoints, scanning it themselves, and holding it up for the inspector to see it. Those plastic bins on the conveyor belt may be a thing of the past as passengers are asked to put belts, wallets, keys, and phones instead into their carry-on bag for screening. TSA officers are wearing face masks and changing their gloves after every pat down. Travelers can now carry up to 12-ounces of liquid hand sanitizer on board, relaxing the normal three-point-four-ounce limit.
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LULAC Community Garden
TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
Water Recreation Reminders Along Starcke Park
The Seguin LULAC Community Garden has vegetables ready to pick. Rivers and lakes have re-opened with proper social distancing Please bring your own bag and be careful where you step. For more requirements, however, the City of Seguin Parks & Recreation Department reminds citizens that recreational use of the Guadalupe information call Ricardo Guerra at 830-822-5820. River in Max Starcke Park is currently restricted in the designated "Restricted Safe Zone" by Court Order prompted by a spillgate failure on Lake Dunlap in fall 2019. Pole fishing from the riverbank is Seguin Public Library Services The Seguin Public Library is now open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday permitted, except near the City of Seguin Water Treatment Plant. through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The Laptop Lab and Curbside Service will continue operations during these hours. Only the first floor will be open to the public for “grab & go” service. Laptop sessions may be reserved ahead of time, but walk-ins are welcomed. Patrons are encouraged to utilize online resources and services during this time. Visit seguin.biblionix.com/catalog/ to reserve materials. For more information visit http://library.seguintexas.gov, call 830-401-2422, text 830-549-4698 or email library@seguintexas.gov.
Cibolo Grange Hall Farmers Market The Cibolo Grange Hall Farmers Market will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month at 413 North Main Street in Cibolo. For more information, or to join as a vendor, visit the Cibolo Grange Farmers Market Facebook page or text 210-722-9054.
Starcke Park Golf Course Starcke Park Golf Course is open to the public with tee times spaced out at 16 minute intervals. The Pro Shop is closed until further notice. Tee times can only be made by calling the Pro Shop at 830-401-2490. Tee time reservations will be limited to four or less golfers.
Seguin Wave Pool The Wave Pool will not open for the 2020 summer season.
City Parks Restroom and Playgrounds/Play Equipment Closure All parks and trails remain open to the public for the time being, however, all public and playgrounds/play equipment restrooms in the parks are closed until further notice.
City’s Utility Billing Office Closes to Public
The City’s Utility Billing Office is closed to the public. Customers can send payments in the mail, pay at the drive-thru window at City Hall, use the drop box located in the overflow parking lot across from City Seguin ISD Summer Meal Program Hall on Mountain Street, set up an automatic bank draft, utilize the City The Seguin ISD Summer Meal Program will begin Monday, June 1. Hub customer portal online at http://www.seguintexas.gov., or pay over Locations and serving times can easily be found by calling 211, texting the phone by calling 830-401-2460. Service and convenience fees are FOODTX to 877-877 or visiting SummerFood.org. also being temporarily waived at this time. To ensure non-profit organization's meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, fax 379-2238, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event. CLICK HERE TO VIEW ONLINE
TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
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City Meetings
SOLC Summer Adventure Camp
Municipal Court Cancellations
Cinderella Ball Cancelled
All meetings of City Boards and Commissions have been cancelled until further notice. City Council and Planning & Zoning are meeting virtually. In addition to meeting virtually, Beginning Tuesday, May 19, the City Council meeting will also be open to the public (following all social distancing guidelines). Additionally, the 5:30 p.m. meeting will be available via Facebook Live on the City's Facebook page.
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Registration is now open for the Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center Summer Adventure Camp June 8 through July 24. Registration forms and more information is available at http://www.seguinolc.org. Applications are also being accepted for camp counselors and counselorsin-training. Submit resume and references to info@seguinolc.org.
All trials and court hearings at Seguin Municipal Court have been The Seguin Police Department has cancelled its 101th Annual Cinderella cancelled through the end of the month. Court dates will be rescheduled at Ball from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 26 at the Seguin Event Complex (Coliseum). Refunds will be issued for any tickets/carriage rides purchased a later time. For more information call 830-401-2386.
Splash Pad Closure
The Splash Pad at Park West is closed until further noticed.
Field of Honor 2020 Cancellation
The Field of Honor 2020 scheduled from June 27 to July 5 in the field by Faith Lutheran Church has been cancelled. Any sponsorships collected this All bookings at the Seguin Coliseum and the Fairgrounds facilities are year will be used for 2021. suspended until further notice. Customers will receive full refunds for all facility bookings impacted the public health emergency.
Seguin Events Complex Closure
Sports Leagues
Young Marines/SS American Memorial Concert Fundraiser
Elks Bingo Cancellation
Master Naturalist Training
Seguin Little League, Seguin Youth Soccer League, the All Youth Sports There will be a concert "Soldiers Songs & Voices," featuring Scotty League and the Seguin Volleyball League are suspending all games until Alexander and special guest, Rio Russell, from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June further notice. 27 at the Lazy U Ranch located at 450 Naumann Road in Seguin. Proceeds benefit the Guadalupe Valley Young Marines and the SS American Comal Country Music Show Cancelations Memorial. Tickets are $25 and free to all active duty with military ID. For The Comal Country Music Show is canceled until further notice. more information visit www.ssamemorial.com. The Seguin Elks Lodge has cancelled all of it Bingo sessions.
The Guadalupe Master Naturalists have applications available for the 2020 training class to become a certified naturalist. The classes begin Tuesday, Dowdy School Reunion Cancellation The Dowdy School Reunion scheduled for Saturday, June 6 has been August 11 and continues every other Tuesday to Nov. 21 at the Schertz canceled. With the COVID-19 uncertainty and social distancing guidelines, Senior Center, located at 608 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. The cost is $110 the reunion committee decided to cancel the reunion. For more information and the deadline to apply is Saturday, Aug. 1. Applications are available online at txmn.org/guadlupe. For more information call 830-379-1972. contact Stanley Dolle at 830-305-5123. To ensure non-profit organization's meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, fax 379-2238, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event. CLICK HERE TO VIEW ONLINE
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For information about whether hospice care is right for your family, please call (830) 625-7525 or visit www.hopehospice.net
TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
HELP MAKE THE STEEL THAT BUILDS AMERICA!
CMC Steel Texas is actively hiring for several roles and experience levels at our mill in Seguin, including:
During these troubling times, Hope Hospice is still here for you. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we understand the elevated risks facing the elderly and health-compromised populations and remain committed and prepared to serve those facing chronic illness and the end of life. Hope Hospice nurses, physicians, & certified aides are on the job 24 hours a day observing strict COVID-19 protocols & guidelines to protect our patients, their families, our employees, and our community.
As we face today’s challenges, our work continues uninterrupted.
» » »
Entry-level Equipment Operators Mechanics Electrical & Automation Technicians
CMC Steel Texas has operated in Seguin since 1947 and specializes in producing rebar, merchant bar and structural steel products. We offer competitive salaries and benefits. Visit www.cmc.com/careers to learn more.
APPLY TODAY!
TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
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Classifieds
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TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
NOTICE TO CREDITORS:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT ORIGINAL LETTERS TESTAMENTARY FOR THE ESTATE OF ROBERT P. TOOMEY, Deceased, were issued on April 28, 2020, in Cause No. 2020-PC-0016, pending in the County Court of Guadalupe County, Texas, to: Katherine Toomey. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Frank B. Suhr, Attorney at Law, 473 S. Seguin Ave, Ste. 100, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.
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OFFICE SPACE AVAILALBE in high traffic area located just north of Kingsbury Street on North Austin Street. 4 retail/office spaces available starting at $265/month, utilities included! Landlord is willing to lease all 4 spaces together for $975/month if you need additional square footage, a steal of a deal!! Call Ted Omohundro at 830-7087710 for additional details.
TUESDAY MAY 26, 2020
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